Mechanical Properties of the Active Layer for Pavement Design in Permafrost Conditions
by G. Doré, (Laval University, civil engineering department, 1065 ave. de la Médecine, Québec (Québec), Canada, G1V 0A6 E-mail: Guy.Dore@gci.ulaval.ca)
pp. 397-406, (doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/41072(359)39)
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| Document type: |
Conference Proceeding Paper |
| Part of: |
Cold Regions Engineering 2009: Cold Regions Impacts on Research, Design, and Construction |
| Abstract: |
When designing road and airfield embankments over permafrost, thermal stability of the subgrade soil is often considered to be a key consideration for the overall stability of the structure. When the facility is built over thaw sensitive soil, the general approach is to attempt to raise the permafrost level underneath the embankment in order to avoid the risk of thermal degradation of thaw sensitive soils. However, in many cases, part of the active layer underneath the pavement is subject to thawing during summer. Information on the mechanical properties of thawing soils in a permafrost context is scarce and this factor is rarely taken into consideration when designing pavements to be constructed in permafrost regions. This paper summarizes the findings of a study of the mechanical properties of soils in the active layer near the Tasiujaq airstrip in Nunavik (Quebec, Canada). The study was done using the dynamic cone penetrometer and the light-weight deflectometer. The paper will also discuss the practical implications for pavement design considerations. |
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